PRIME MINISTER: STATE BUDGET TO BE USED FOR LONG-TERM RENTAL HOUSING FOR WORKERS

Speaking at a dialogue session with trade union representatives and workers during the 14th Vietnam Trade Union Congress on June 5, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung announced that the Government is accelerating efforts to improve housing policies, with a particular focus on developing rental housing for workers.

According to the Prime Minister, the Government has been working closely with Hanoi and several provinces with large industrial workforces, including Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, Hung Yen, and Bac Ninh, to review planning strategies and allocate resources for worker housing development. Rental housing projects are expected to begin implementation as early as June.

Notably, the State will use public budget funds to invest in the construction of long-term rental housing for workers at affordable rates aligned with their income levels.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that a large proportion of workers currently live in cramped rental accommodations with inadequate infrastructure and high rental costs. Access to essential services such as healthcare, education, childcare facilities, and community spaces also remains limited.

He emphasized that housing policy should shift from a sole focus on home ownership to ensuring citizens’ right to adequate housing. This change in mindset, he noted, represents a strategic direction for future housing development.

Under this approach, worker housing projects must not only offer reasonable rental prices but also be developed alongside supporting social infrastructure, including schools, childcare centers, healthcare facilities, cultural centers, and other public amenities that contribute to a higher quality of life.

Reflecting the realities faced by workers, trade union representatives reported that housing demand is currently concentrated in three key segments: long-term rental, home purchase, and rent-to-own options. They also proposed the development of residential areas located near industrial parks, with convenient access to public transportation and fully integrated infrastructure services.

In addition to housing concerns, wages and income were among the most discussed topics during the dialogue. Trade union representatives noted that despite the country's economic growth, many workers' incomes remain insufficient to meet basic living needs, making it difficult for families to save and cope with unexpected financial challenges.

As a result, delegates urged the Government to consider implementing a “living wage” policy that would enable workers to cover essential expenses such as housing, healthcare, education, and daily living costs while also allowing for some level of savings.

Responding to these recommendations, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stated that relevant ministries and agencies would study and develop specific policies regarding wage reform, income improvement, working conditions, and working hours. Authorities are also preparing a comprehensive wage reform proposal for the public sector while refining salary policies for the private sector to better support workers' livelihoods.

Looking ahead, the Government will continue improving the legal and business environment to foster enterprise growth and create sustainable employment opportunities. At the same time, social welfare policies related to housing, vocational training, occupational safety, healthcare, education, working hours, and meal quality for workers will continue to be strengthened and expanded.